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Detection of Biological Suspensions Using Online Detectors in a Drinking Water Distribution System Simulator
Citation:
U.S. EPA. Detection of Biological Suspensions Using Online Detectors in a Drinking Water Distribution System Simulator. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, EPA/600/R-10/005, 2010.
Impact/Purpose:
Detection of low density microbial suspensions (less than 105 cfu/mL) was evaluated with a suite of online water quality sensors and instruments. Typically, the drinking water industry uses online sensors to measure parameters such as free chlorine, pH, and conductivity; however, in microbial suspensions below 105 cfu/mL, the sensors have a weak response or are ineffective. Therefore, sensors designed to detect either particulates in water or organic compounds that might accompany microbial suspensions (i.e., culture media) were evaluated for their ability to detect low density microbial suspensions. Evaluation took place in a pilot scale drinking water distribution system simulator. Sensor response data are summarized as absolute change, percent change, and signal-to-noise ratio.
Description:
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